A group of southern Thai residents has called on the government to revoke two controversial Southern Economic Corridor (SEC) bills and abandon the Land Bridge megaproject, citing concerns that these initiatives will severely disrupt their way of life.
Approximately 50 people from the Phato-Ranong Conservation Network gathered at the Bhumjaithai Party headquarters in Bangkok on Monday, September 16, 2024, demanding that the party withdraw the SEC bills it had drafted. The proposed bills aim to develop an economic corridor covering four southern provinces—Chumphon, Ranong, Surat Thani, and Nakhon Si Thammarat—through infrastructure projects that include deep-sea ports, motorways, and railway systems.
Somchok Chungchaturan, the network’s coordinator, argued that the legislation would give investors excessive rights, creating an “independent state” exempt from key environmental and labor regulations. He expressed concerns that local communities would bear the brunt of the impact, with no tangible benefits in return.
“We will be the victims of imbalanced development,” Somchok said, vowing to continue protesting until the bills are withdrawn. He also voiced opposition to the Land Bridge project, which is expected to connect Chumphon on the Gulf of Thailand with Ranong on the Andaman Sea. Critics, including environmentalists and local residents, believe the project would cause significant damage to maritime ecosystems and lead to land loss for multiple communities.
Additionally, some experts in logistics have raised doubts about the project’s ability to significantly reduce transport costs or improve logistical efficiency, despite government claims.
Responding to the protesters, Sirawit Botham, head of Bhumjaithai’s coordinating unit, stated that the party would submit the group’s demands to a party committee for review. He noted that the two SEC bills are currently under consideration by the new cabinet.
The group had also submitted a petition to the government earlier, reiterating their concerns about the SEC and Land Bridge project.
